Page 26 of Lost Cause
“If you consider silverware that looks like it requires a user manual, then yes—very interesting.” His eyes twinkled with humor. “But as far as the theft goes, doesn’t look like it’s a room we should waste any time on.”
Burke pointed at the large antique sideboard. “Did you check all the drawers?”
Abby expected a negative reaction from Gabe over having his work questioned, but he simply nodded.
“Then let’s have a seat and hope Victor doesn’t take long to get ready.” Burke pulled out a chair for Abby.
The guy had old-school manners. Both in this gesture and offering to take Sam’s cart up the stairs. She liked his kindness. Would appreciate it, even.Ifshe knew the reason. Was it a sign of respect, or was it patronizing—thinking women didn’t have the same abilities as a man? Even worse, did it indicate he was brought up with a privileged lifestyle that he adopted for himself? A lifestyle like her snooty family lived. They looked down on people who hadn’t been raised in the same social standing. True, he was a detective, and her family would no more approve of his job than hers, so she was probably overreacting.
Gabe plopped down on the chair next to her. She’d avoided placing her arms on the dusty table, but Gabe didn’t care. He propped his elbows on top and put his chin in his hands. “I wonder how long this dude’ll take to get ready.”
Victor had spent the night in his chair in the library, and he hadn’t had a chance to change clothes. Still, he’d been kind enough to let them in and took Sam to the library to begin processing the forensics and take his fingerprints to eliminate his from others she might locate in the house.
“We have to remember his age,” Abby said. “He’s in his seventies and won’t move as fast as we do.”
“Don’t worry,” Gabe said. “I got the hint earlier. Dial it down a notch and be more respectful.”
She laughed. “See. Now that’s why I brought you along.”
Expression still serious, Burke dropped onto a chair across the table and held up his phone. “I made a list of questions for Victor last night, starting with the simple things we learned and building to Estelle. If it’s okay with you, I’d like to take lead here.”
“Sounds like a good plan,” Abby said, amazed he’d asked instead of ordered. “It’s fine with me as long as you don’t mind my input along the way.”
“Two heads are better than one.” He swiped his screen with a long index finger.
He seemed to want to get along. She did too, so she would make sure to keep things light and friendly between them. “Thank you for your consideration.”
Gabe looked between them. “I don’t know what’s going on with you guys, but your conversation is bordering on sappy sweet.”
Abby probably shouldn’t venture out of the professional realm, but she couldn’t resist giving Burke a playful grin.
He took a sharp breath and laughed. “Maybe it was abitover the top.”
Gabe crossed his arms. “You grilled us on our early arrival, Ulrich, but you never said why you showed up at the crack of dawn.”
Burke stared at his phone as if he wasn’t going to answer, but then cleared his throat. “Our department boat is booked for a training today, and I had to borrow one. My friend couldn’t be late for work to hand it over to me, so we had to meet early. I figured, why hang on the mainland when I could get started here.”
Gabe scratched the back of his neck. “You always dress like a banker?”
“Gabe!” Abby shook her head. “Filters, man. Not all thoughts are meant to be spoken.”
He shrugged, his gaze still on Burke. “Well, do you?”
Abby groaned.
“I like to dress professionally at work.” Burke lowered his phone and returned Gabe’s stare. “If it offends you, so be it.”
Abby waited for a fireworks show between the two of them, but Victor came to the door. Perfect timing.
His hair was slicked back against his head, bringing to mind a freshly waxed car. He wore a shabby blue sweater shesuspected was pricey cashmere, but several holes ruined the appearance of luxury. He’d paired it with formal black wool trousers patched at the knee.
Burke nodded at the chair at the head of the table. “Have a seat.”
Gaze wary, Victor took a seat and clasped his hands together on the tabletop. “This seems so formal.”
“Formal is an interview at the station.” Burke smiled but it looked forced.
Abby took out her notepad and pen and set them on the table. “It always helps to get the victim’s viewpoint on the crime committed against them.”
